Turkey’s pro-Kurdish DEM party is poised for a “historic declaration” from PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan on Thursday, as the party sends a delegation to meet him amid renewed efforts to resolve decades-long conflicts with the Turkish government. The meeting marks a significant step in the dialogue process, following previous visits that sparked hopes for peace. The outcome remains uncertain, yet carries potential implications for Kurdish-Turkish relations.
In a significant development, Turkey’s pro-Kurdish party, the Democratic Regions Party (DEM), is anticipating a “historic declaration” from Abdullah Ocalan, the incarcerated leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). This announcement is expected on Thursday as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the long-standing conflict between the PKK and the Turkish state. The DEM party will dispatch a delegation to meet Ocalan at his imprisonment location, Imrali Island, near Istanbul, marking their third visit in recent months.
The visit’s timing aligns with Ankara’s attempts to renew relations with the PKK, which has engaged in an armed struggle against Turkey since 1984, resulting in the loss of over 40,000 lives. Following their meeting, the delegation will provide a statement to the media at approximately 5:00 p.m. local time. DEM expressed optimism for Ocalan’s declaration, contingent on the meeting proceeding smoothly.
The seven-member team includes notable figures such as Ocalan’s attorney, Faik Ozgur Erol, and veteran Kurdish politician Ahmet Turk, who has a longstanding history in Kurdish affairs. Reports suggest that the delegation hopes Ocalan may make an appeal for peace via a video message, though permission for such a format has not yet been confirmed by the Turkish justice ministry.
Previous interactions with Ocalan have sparked discussions about whether he might soon encourage PKK combatants to cease hostilities in exchange for potential concessions for the Kurdish populace. The participation of key political leaders signifies a holistic approach toward addressing the Kurdish issue in Turkey, despite the unpredictable nature of political negotiations.
Despite optimistic projections, it is essential to note the historical complexities surrounding this conflict, including the collapse of prior peace negotiations in 2015, which were marred by considerable violence. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the potential impact of Ocalan’s expected statements and the ramifications they may have in fostering dialogue between the Kurdish groups and the Turkish authorities.
In summary, the anticipation surrounding Ocalan’s expected declaration highlights a renewed effort to address the long-standing conflict between the PKK and the Turkish government. The meeting scheduled by the DEM party marks a notable step in pursuit of peace, especially after the failed negotiations in 2015 that led to a resurgence of violence. Observers will be keen to monitor the outcomes of this meeting and its implications for the Kurdish community in Turkey.
Original Source: www.france24.com
